MomSkoop
Ever had that moment when you look amazing in the mirror but terrible in photos? Your hairstyle might be the culprit! Some hairstyles just have that magical quality of looking stunning on camera, no matter the angle or lighting. Whether you’re preparing for a special event, professional headshots, or just want to look your best in everyday pictures, these ten hairstyles will ensure you’re always camera-ready.
1. Soft Beach Waves
Beach waves bring that effortless glamour to any photo. The dimensional texture catches light beautifully, creating natural highlights and shadows that add depth to your images.
For the best results, focus on keeping the waves loose and touchable rather than stiff or overly defined. Medium-sized curling irons (1-1.5 inches) create the most photogenic waves.
Remember to brush through the curls with your fingers after styling to break them up slightly. This prevents that too-perfect look and gives you that coveted “I woke up like this” vibe that photographs so well from any angle.
2. Sleek Low Bun
Audrey Hepburn made this classic style famous for good reason – it’s timeless and impossibly elegant in photographs. The clean lines of a sleek low bun frame your face perfectly while showcasing your features.
Positioned at the nape of your neck, this style creates a beautiful silhouette from all angles. The polished finish reflects light gorgeously, especially when photographed from behind or in profile.
Apply a small amount of shine serum to tame flyaways before securing your bun. This simple trick makes a huge difference in photos, giving your style that magazine-worthy finish that looks deliberate rather than accidental.
3. Bouncy Blowout
Nothing says “I’m ready for my close-up” quite like a voluminous blowout. The secret behind this style’s photogenic power lies in its movement and reflection of light.
Round brushes create that perfect curve at the ends that photographs like a dream. The subtle bend catches studio lights and natural sunshine alike, creating dimension that flat styles simply can’t match.
When the photographer says “flip your hair,” this style delivers that magazine-worthy motion blur. A light-hold hairspray keeps everything bouncy without looking stiff – crucial for achieving that natural movement that photographs so beautifully throughout an entire shoot.
4. Half-Up Crown Braid
Crown braids bring a fairy-tale quality to photographs that’s hard to beat! This half-up style combines the best of both worlds – the security of an updo with the romantic flow of loose hair.
The braid creates a beautiful frame around your face, drawing attention to your eyes. When photographed from above or at an angle, the intricate pattern of the braid adds gorgeous texture and visual interest.
For extra photogenic appeal, gently pull at the edges of your braid to create a slightly “undone” look. This technique, called pancaking, makes the braid appear fuller and more dimensional in photos while adding that coveted bohemian touch.
5. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves
Channel your inner red carpet star with these glamorous waves. Unlike beach waves, Hollywood waves feature more defined, structured curves that create dramatic shadows and highlights in photographs.
The side-swept element adds asymmetry that photographers love, creating more interesting compositions. This style particularly shines in formal portrait photography, where the classic elegance elevates any outfit.
The deep side part that typically accompanies this look frames your face asymmetrically, which is surprisingly flattering in photos. For maximum impact, make sure the waves start at eye level rather than at the roots – this technique creates that iconic cascading effect that looks stunning from every angle.
6. Textured Pixie Cut
Short-haired beauties, rejoice! A textured pixie cut photographs beautifully because it frames your face and emphasizes your best features. The varied lengths create natural shadows and highlights that add dimension to photos.
Unlike sleeker pixies, the textured version prevents that “helmet head” look that can happen in photographs. The deliberately piece-y finish gives the camera multiple points of visual interest, making even simple headshots look editorial.
For maximum photogenic impact, ask your stylist for longer layers on top that can be styled in different directions. This versatility allows you to change your look slightly for different photo angles, ensuring you look fantastic from every perspective.
7. High Ponytail with Volume
The secret weapon of models everywhere! A high ponytail with volume at the crown elongates your face and creates a lifted effect in photographs. The height literally draws the viewer’s eye upward, creating a more commanding presence in the frame.
Unlike flat ponytails, the volumized version creates shadows and highlights that add dimension to what could otherwise be a plain style. The contrast between the sleek sides and the voluminous crown photographs particularly well in profile shots.
For an extra photogenic touch, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic band. This tiny detail elevates the entire look and creates a more polished finish that looks intentional rather than rushed in photographs.
8. Braided Updo
Photographers love braided updos because they create incredible texture and visual interest from every angle. Unlike smooth updos, the intricate patterns of braids catch light in fascinating ways, creating natural highlights and shadows.
The 360-degree appeal makes this style perfect for events where you’ll be photographed from multiple angles. Even simple phone snapshots look more intentional and editorial with this hairstyle.
Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for that romantic, effortless vibe that photographs so beautifully. This small detail softens the overall look and prevents the dreaded “too perfect” appearance that can make photos look stiff rather than naturally gorgeous.
9. Face-Framing Layers
Strategic face-framing layers might be the most universally flattering hairstyle in photographs. These carefully positioned pieces act like natural contouring, highlighting your best features while softening angles.
The layers create movement around your face that catches light beautifully, adding dimension to what could otherwise be flat-looking hair in photos. This style particularly shines in natural light photography, where the sun can catch those shorter pieces to create a halo effect.
For the most photogenic result, ask your stylist for layers that hit at your cheekbones and jawline. These specific points enhance your natural bone structure and create that coveted “I woke up with perfect hair” look in every photo.
10. Slicked-Back Wet Look
Bold and dramatic, the slicked-back wet look creates striking photographs with its high-fashion edge. The glossy finish reflects light beautifully, creating almost sculptural highlights that make even amateur photos look professional.
Fashion photographers favor this style because it draws complete attention to your facial features. The clean lines create a strong silhouette that stands out dramatically in both color and black-and-white photography.
Despite its runway origins, this style works surprisingly well for everyday photo opportunities when you want to make a statement. The key to making it photograph well is ensuring even product distribution – truly wet sections versus just product-coated can create unflattering contrasts in photos.